Syringe Access (Needle Exchange)

Syringe access programs will give you free needles and injection supplies to help minimize your risk of infection. These programs can also connect you to a wide range of community and health services. See below for a list of programs.

For additional information about the Syringe Access and Disposal Program click here

Starting January 1, 2015 Syringe Possesion and Sale Laws Change

Assembly Bill 1743 (Ting, Statutes of 2014) made important changes to California law governing possession and sale of syringes. Quick recap: As of January 1, 2015, licensed pharmacists can sell syringes to adults age 18 and older without a prescription. There is no longer any limit on the number of needles and syringes that may be sold to a customer.

Adults age 18 and older may possess needles and syringes for personal use if acquired from a pharmacy, physician or authorized syringe exchange program. There is no longer any limit on the number of needles and syringes that an adult may purchase and possess.

Attached are two versions of the same fact sheet: feel free to use the PDF version on your website or provide to law enforcement if it’s useful to have the state Office of AIDS logo. Use the word version to remove the logo and put in your own, to cut and paste into palm cards, labels on syringe disposal containers, or any other use you may have.

This site contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Since HIV infection is spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs presented on this website may address these topics. If you are not seeking such information or may be offended by such materials, please exit this website. All HIV prevention materials funded by CDC must be approved by local San Francisco program review panels.